Mitchell Pearce is a son of a NSW and Test rugby league legend, but the teenage half-back who will make his state-of-origin debut for the Blues against Queensland on Wednesday has pledged he will do it his own way.

Pearce, whose father Wayne was a mainstay of NSW teams in the 1980s, will become the youngest man to wear the Blues' No. 7 jersey and the eighth half-back named by Blues selectors since 2004.

Pearce's selection in the deciding third match, to be played at Sydney's ANZ Stadium, was brought about with incumbent Peter Wallace unavailable because of surgery, but his combination with Sydney Roosters teammate Braith Anasta will be central to the Blues' chances of winning Wednesday's series decider.

"I made a promise to myself the moment I found out I had been selected in the NSW origin team. No matter what happened during camp, I was going to be myself," Pearce said.

"Ever since I started playing rugby league, I have had expectations placed on me and people comparing me to my dad (who captained the Blues to a series whitewash in 1985). I have learned to live with that, but the reason I have always loved playing the game is because I have done it my way.

"It's what has got me to where I am and what has made sure I have always enjoyed my footy."

Pearce said he appreciated the gesture by the NSW forwards during camp last week when they grouped around the debutant to give him their vote of support.

Queensland tackling legend Trevor Gillmeister joined the Maroons' camp yesterday to put some sting into their defence.

Gillmeister formulated the plan that nullified Blues forward Willie Mason in last year's series and he took the players behind closed doors yesterday to give them some hitting tips.

With AAP